A Chronicle of Theatregoing in England

First, I went to visit my brother, Go Ueki, and his dance performance team 'Break Free,' who were performing in Edinburgh for a month. It's always moving to see Japanese performers on stage in a foreign land, but seeing my own family there was especially emotional. They appeared with a roar of sound! Watching them give their all, just as always, I cried the entire time. Well, in my heart, of course. (Laughs)

In reality, I was quite high-spirited, calling out and laughing.

After the show, I treated everyone to a meal! Meat, meat, meat. Everyone ate heartily. Unfortunately, no photos. Perhaps I was too excited? (Hahaha)

Edinburgh, my first time there, was truly a wonderful place. I absolutely wouldn't have gone if Go wasn't dancing there. (Laughs) First, my gratitude. I'm so glad I went.

Everywhere in the city was picturesque. Every alleyway was charming. I didn't climb up to Edinburgh Castle, but just gazing at it from below was satisfying. Europe certainly has history. The breeze was cool, and Edinburgh left a great impression. I wonder how Go and the others, who stayed for a whole month, felt? (Laughs)

The next day, I traveled from Edinburgh to London to see Ken Watanabe in 'The King and I.'

I saw it in New York three years ago, too. Yes, that time I went with his daughter, Anne. Ken Watanabe this time was also magnificent! In a London theatre, he was incredibly cool! The play itself had also been refined further, becoming even clearer!

After the performance, when I met him backstage, he had a refreshing smile and was wonderful again! However, both New York and London are foreign lands, and he must have faced hardships. He doesn't let us feel even a hint of it, which is truly amazing! I believe that's how he grows stronger and moves towards his next stage.

At the theatre, I happened to run into Ryoko Moriyama. When we were on a variety show together before, she mentioned she was going to London soon! I had just told her that Ken Watanabe's play was a must-see, and that Harry Potter was also supposed to be fantastic! Then, the day after meeting her in London, I saw Harry Potter. She exclaimed, 'What a coincidence, me too!' We both burst out laughing. Such a happy coincidence in a foreign land! My memories became even more colorful.

People whisper that London's food isn't great... but not at all! It was delicious. Maybe my nose is just good. (Hahaha)
Among everything, the dim sum was superb!

The next day, I saw a matinee and evening performance of Harry Potter. For Harry Potter, it's essential to buy tickets for both Part 1 and Part 2. So, I thought it would be better to see them on the same day rather than across different days, and chose a Saturday matinee and evening show. The theatre itself was also incredibly beautiful, and I was excited even before the show began. Harry Potter is a straight play, and while I don't understand a word of English (laughs)...

But I always think this: when the acting is superb, you can endure not understanding everything. The sounds of the dialogue keep you engaged. Variations in pitch, volume, intensity, tone, length – it's the magic of the voice. And the pauses! It's never boring! Above all, magic is sprinkled everywhere. That's what's amazing. I want to see it at least two more times. No, I definitely will, I'm sure. (Hahaha)

The latter half of this year is packed with consecutive drama filming. Following last year's 'Remnant,' I'm filming dramas within the year, including 'We Are Made of Miracles.' I'm planning a casual live show in December, so please do come!